By Christina Katz
Ever been called a "joiner"?
Well, good for you, because writers who are willing to connect and mix with other writers tend to be happier and more productive than writers who isolate themselves or resist networking with peers. Joiners also have an easier time becoming known.
Have you taken a few hours to think about which associations might make the most sense for you to join? Here are ten good reasons why you should make time to identify at least three associations you can join:
Memberships...
...are typically inexpensive.
...grant you access to like-minded others.
...augment your professional status.
... allow you to interact with members of your audience.
...help you keep up with the latest industry trends.
...earn you a reduced rate for continuing education.
...sometimes offer additional benefits like insurance or legal assistance.
...serve as a newswire for professional achievements.
...can act as networking hubs.
...provide opportunities to give back to your professional community.
Next year, assess how valuable your association was for your career. Remember, you get back what you put in. So don't sit back and expect an association to do for you. Associations can only give back, what you invest.
Christina Katz is the author of Get Known Before the Book Deal, Use Your Personal Strengths to Build an Author Platform and Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids
(both for Writer's Digest Books). A platform development coach and
consultant, she teaches writing career development, hosts the Northwest Author Series, and is the publisher of several e-zines including Writers on the Rise. Christina blogs at The Writer Mama Riffs and Get Known Before the Book Deal, and speaks at MFA programs, literary events, and conferences around the country.
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